by Ané Theron

Is this ultra-popular, mid-size premium sedan one to consider as a family vehicle?  Let's find out if the entry-level C180 9G-Tronic will fulfil your loved ones' needs.

The C-Class is one of our most popular vehicles on the AutoTrader website. After seeing a refresh towards the end of last year, the C-Class* is now more refined overall. But will your spouse and kids love it too?

Tech?

Mercedes-Benz's standard seven-inch Audio 20 screen in the centre serves as your control panel, and provides you with "varied entertainment and a comprehensive range of infotainment functions." It allows you to connect your phone conveniently with your car via Bluetooth and use the integrated telephony and music functions on the 7-inch display, via dedicated steering wheel buttons. The touchpad with controller is a R2500 option.

If you have more money to spend, it's R9000 for the 10.25-inch Media Display. Then there's also the option of having the fully digital setup (more or less the same as Audi's virtual cockpit), which is R11 000 extra. But even if you don't spec any options, the driver can be assured of a luxurious, well-connected experience. The all-new MBUX infotainment system found in the all-new A-Class, (an Autotrader COTY finalist for 2019), is not available as an option, sadly. The C-Class has 2 USB ports to keep everyone's devices charged up.

Ride quality?

The latest-generation C180 (from R662 619) rides pliantly, even without the adaptive air suspension which is a pricey R21 500 option. The standard-spec C180 is fitted with 45/40-profile tyres but the ride is never hard. The cabin is quiet and well-insulated from wind and road noise so you can carry a decent conversation and listen to your favourite tunes at highway speeds. 

Fuel economy?

Fuel consumption for the turbocharged 1.6-litre engine in the C180 (with 115kW/ 250Nm) is rated at an average of 7.5 litres per 100 km (based on real-life driving conditions) and you'll get in the region of 750 kilometres out of one tank; very good for the amount of power you're getting. Mercedes-Benz's 9G-TRONIC gearbox is standard across the board.

Space & convenience? 

Space on the rear is sufficient, and the boot offers a generous amount of loading capacity (480 litres, to be exact). lt will fit the baby stroller or plenty of sports paraphernalia, or a four-member family's December holiday luggage (within reason, of course). Seats are covered in man-made leather, and therefore easy to keep clean. There are ISOFIX mountings on the rear seats, and climate control is standard. For the full list of standard convenience features, do pay the Mercedes-Benz website a visit.

Safety?

All mothers will agree that safety features play a very large part in the decision to buy a certain car. The Germans leave no stone unturned when it comes to safety, and the C-Class is well-equipped with seven airbags (with an option of 9), traction and stability control, fatigue detection, and autonomous emergency braking. It has a five-star EuroNCAP rating.

Verdict

The C-Class is very much a car for families, if you have your heart set on a German sedan, and you can afford the rather steep price of R612 669 for this entry-level C180. 

If you see yourself doing thousands of kilometres on dirt, then the Mercedes-Benz GLC (SUV) might be more to your liking. If you can wait a while and you have money to spend, the bigger, super high-tec GLE has already launched in overseas markets, and we attended the media event in Texas. You can read our international launch report on the Merc GLE here.

Read everything you need to know about the Merc C-Class here.

*Images (by Chad Lückhoff) are of the Mercedes-AMG C43